Queen & Major Piece Endgames – Endgame Course Syllabus

This syllabus page outlines the queen and major piece endgame themes taught in the course. For explanations, annotated examples, and related training material, use the Endgame Hub →

Queen Endgames – Core Themes

• Maneuvering in queen endgames to exploit advantages and mitigate risks
• Perpetual check motifs and drawing resources
• King safety versus material considerations
• Passed pawns in queen endgames
• Time pressure and calculation challenges

Queen vs Pawn Scenarios

• Applying theoretical knowledge in queen versus pawn endgames
• Recognising fortress and stalemate ideas
• Defending accurately against advanced pawns

Queen & Rook Coordination

• Coordinating queen and rook in major piece endgames
• Back-rank weaknesses and mating threats
• Zugzwang ideas with major pieces
• Simplifying into favourable minor-piece or pawn endings

Model Major-Piece Endgames (Selected)

• 104 Cs – Complexity of queen endgames and wealth of checks – Lasker vs Capablanca
• 434 Cs – Rook and queen join forces on the back rank for zugzwang – Capablanca vs Nimzowitsch
• 105 Cs – Black stops perpetual checks and king safety is critical – Marshall vs Capablanca
• 243 Cs – Passed pawn blockaded but later unblocked – Capablanca vs Villegas